The NOMARS program’s prototype vessel, USX-1 Defiant, completed construction in February 2025.

The U.S. military is advancing two major projects that could reshape modern warfare: an unmanned warship designed to operate at sea without any crew, and the first uncrewed aircraft to carry the designation of “fighter” in Air Force history.

Together, these projects signal a growing focus on autonomous systems, which the Pentagon hopes will increase military capabilities while keeping service members out of harm’s way.

Navy Launches Fully Unmanned Ship

USX-1 is being rolled into the water.

The U.S. Navy, in partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), has completed construction of the USX-1 Defiant, a prototype ship that can operate entirely without a crew. Known as part of the No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) program, Defiant was built specifically to perform missions at sea without any humans on board.

The 180-foot vessel was finished in February and will undergo extensive testing both at port and at sea starting this spring, according to DARPA.

Without the need to accommodate a crew, the ship’s design allows for a sleeker hull, lower operating costs, and improved performance in rough seas. The ship’s systems are also built to better withstand enemy detection and attack because there are no human lives at risk onboard.

Once testing is complete, the Navy hopes Defiant could be the first in a new generation of unmanned vessels, providing a more affordable way to patrol large areas and support larger, traditional warships.

Air Force Unveils First Uncrewed Fighters

Gulf General Atomic’s version of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft. 

At the same time, the U.S. Air Force has taken a major step forward in aerial warfare by unveiling its first-ever uncrewed aircraft designated as fighters — the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A. Developed by General Atomics and Anduril Industries, respectively, the aircraft were revealed by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin during a keynote speech at the Air Force Association Warfare Symposium.

The “Y” indicates the aircraft are still prototypes, while “F” confirms they are fighters, and “Q” designates them as uncrewed.

These new drones are part of the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, which is focused on developing drones that can fly alongside piloted fighters like the F-35. The concept would allow a single pilot to control several drones at once, using them to scout, jam radar, carry weapons, or act as decoys.

The Air Force said these drones will be faster and more advanced than earlier generations, while also being cheaper and easier to produce in large numbers.

A New Era of Warfighting

Military officials said both the new unmanned ship and the uncrewed fighters are part of a broader strategy to maintain an edge in future conflicts, especially as countries like China and Russia invest heavily in their own autonomous military technology.

“We’re entering a new chapter of warfare, where we team humans with machines to increase our effectiveness and reduce risk,” Allvin said.

Both programs also reflect a shift in how the Pentagon views military hardware. Rather than building a few expensive, highly advanced systems, the focus is shifting toward building larger numbers of cheaper, semi-autonomous systems that can operate in coordination with human crews.

The USX-1 Defiant is scheduled for its first extended sea trial later this year, while the Air Force’s new uncrewed fighters are expected to begin flight testing in the coming months.